Summary
OCR A-Level English Literature The Merchants Tale Plot Summary
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OCR A-Level English Literature The Merchants Tale Plot Summary
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Plot Summary – ‘The Merchant’s Tale’The General Prologue:
The Merchant’s Description:
• The merchant is a prosperous exporter who likes to talk about his prosperity (even
if he is speaking falsely)
• He is described as frivolous and fancy – a forked beard, a hat, boots etc.
• He is concerned about profits, is skilful in managing exchange rates, but
tight-lipped about business detail
The Merchant’s Prologue:
The Merchant Speaks About his Wife:
• Using his own experiences – after only two months of marriage, his intolerable wife causes
him constant agony
• The Merchant has a cynical and bitter view of marriage, calling his wife the devil, a trap, a
shrew etc. – he has only been married for 2 months, but says he would never get married
again – comparison to Clerk’s story is made
• In the tale, the Merchant offers high praises of marriage, and praise for the role of the wife
that his guests are confused as to his tone (sincere or sarcastic)
The Merchant’s Tale:
Introduction to Januarie:
• In his tale, we meet Januarie, a wealthy, elderly knight, who enjoys the intimate company of
women. He lives in Lombardy
• He finds himself at any age where he wants to marry because:
o He wants to fulfil God’s wish that man and woman marry
o He wants a son to inherit his estates
• He calls his friend Justinus – he argues against marriage, pointing out the unfaithfulness of
women
• He then calls his friend Placebo – he argues that Januarie should make up his own kind
• Januarie decides to marry, and begins his search for his perfect woman – she must be young
and beautiful, no older than 20 – Januarie believes any older and the woman will not be
compliant in fulfilling his needs (attack on widows is made)
• He finds May, a young virgin, in a market, and wants to marry her
The Wedding Feast and Night:
• Januarie and May marry
• After the ceremony, they entertain guests and provide a feast, all the while Januarie is anxious
for night to come so he can take his bride to bed
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